Final answer:
Crooks taunts and tortures Lennie about George because he knows that George is Lennie's closest companion and mentally disabled. Crooks is lonely and has experienced isolation and discrimination due to his race, so he takes advantage of Lennie's vulnerability by mocking his reliance on George. By demeaning Lennie's relationship with George, Crooks gains a sense of power and control.
Step-by-step explanation:
Crooks taunts and tortures Lennie about George because he knows that George is Lennie's closest companion and mentally disabled. Crooks is lonely and has experienced isolation and discrimination due to his race, so he takes advantage of Lennie's vulnerability by mocking his reliance on George. By demeaning Lennie's relationship with George, Crooks gains a sense of power and control.